NCP(SP) president Sharad Pawar on Monday dismissed speculation about his party joining the NDA or merging with another political group, saying his party would not join anyone and that those wanting to join it were welcome.
Addressing the party's state executive committee meeting in Mumbai, Pawar said there had been constant speculation in the media about the future of his party.
"There is constant chatter in the media regarding our party, but such talk is meaningless. The NCP is working with great strength across the state. Therefore, let there be no speculation about us. Whoever wants to join us is welcome, but we will not join anyone else," Pawar said.
His remarks came amid reports about a possible merger between the Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) and the faction led by Sunetra Pawar, as well as speculation about a possible shift involving the BJP or Congress. Pawar also ruled out joining the NDA.
The speculation had intensified following Pawar's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the NCP(SP) chief rejected the possibility of joining the NDA.
Sharad Pawar raises Maharashtra drought issue
The state executive meeting was attended by MPs, MLAs and party office-bearers from district and taluka levels. Drought conditions, the MPSC examination process and the SIR process were among the issues discussed.
Pawar said the party would press the Maharashtra government on its demands related to drought relief and could hold protests if the demands were not addressed.
"We sat together for two-and-a-half hours. I listened to various demands regarding the drought situation. As instructed by the state president, we outlined the memoranda to be submitted during protests," he said.
Pawar also criticised the government's drought relief measures and said there were gaps that needed to be addressed. He had separately written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking additional relief measures for drought-affected farmers and rural residents.
The demands include additional drought-hit areas being brought under the relief package, financial assistance for farmers and agricultural labourers, loan waivers and other measures for affected families.
Pawar also referred to the government's declaration covering 265 talukas and said several issues, including assistance for banana crops, needed to be addressed.
Pawar asks party workers to learn AI
During the meeting, Pawar also urged party leaders and workers to understand and use Artificial Intelligence for organisational work, election management and outreach.
"The present era belongs to Artificial Intelligence. You must understand AI," Pawar said.
He suggested that party workers study how AI could be used in politics and election-related work. Pawar also said training facilities would be made available in Baramati for workers and office-bearers interested in learning the technology.
Referring to the growing use of technology in elections, Pawar said political parties would need to prepare for the use of AI and related tools in the future.
The meeting comes as the NCP(SP) continues its political activities in Maharashtra, with the party focusing on drought relief and other state-level issues while Pawar seeks to put an end to speculation over a possible change in his party's political alignment.
